A Year Later
...
At a circus, an audition was watching a performance. Among them were several female acrobats on tightropes and another was a young firebender firing lightning at them.
The acrobats moved with agility and grace, while the Firebender put on a grand act, her lightning flaying like whips.
Then the firebender stopped and the acrobats stopped. Then all went to the middle of the circle in an orderly fashion.
The audition applauded them, as they bowed and then ran to the back stage.
The acrobats removed their masks. Ty Lee went up to Azula. "You were excellent Azula." She said cheerfully.
"Thanks." Azula said smiling.
Heading to the dressing room, the performers changed out of their costumes. Ty Lee wore simple pants and tunic while Azula wore red pants and tunic.
Both women exited the dressing room.
"You did great Azula." A clown called out to her.
"Thanks, Von." Azula said.
As they walked away, Ty Lee leaned towards Azula. "You know he likes you." She said.
Azula scoffed. "Please, I'm too old for him."
"He is 19 and your about 18." Ty Lee said.
"Actually I'm over a century old, remember." Azula reminded her stiffly.
"You just don't want to admit you like him." Ty Lee teased.
"Maybe next act, my aim will be off." Azula said with an edge in her voice, though it sounded forced.
But Ty Lee smirked. She knew Azula's threats were empty and that she wouldn't hurt her. Azula frowned at Ty Lee. Ty Lee wasn't intimidated by her threats. She would never hurt her, though Ty Lee could still be annoying.
Suddenly Ty Lee collapsed.
"Ty Lee?" Azula gasped, checking on her friend. "Someone help!"
...
Ty lee lay in a bed while a water bending Healer stood over her, performing a healing process.
Then she got up and went out of the room, where several of the circus were waiting.
"Is she alright?" One of them asked.
"No." the Healer said. "She is dying."
"Dying?" Another said.
"How?" A third asked.
"I don't know." the Healer said. "She is perfectly healthy and young, but her life force seems to be fading away."
Azula suddenly went pale.
"Can't you heal her?" Another asked.
"I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do." The Healer said. "I suspect she won't last more than a day."
"Can I see her." Azula said.
"Yes." The healer said. "Just try not to overwhelm her."
Everyone started to go, but Azula stood in the way. "Please I..." She hesitated. "I need to speak with Ty Lee alone."
"Why?" One asked.
"It's personal." Azula said. "Please."
Everyone glanced at each-other perplexed. But then relented.
Bracing herself, Azula entered the room. Ty lee lay on the bed. She seemed extremely tired, but Azula knew the truth.
"Ty Lee." Azula whispered sadly.
"Azula." Ty lee said, trying to sit up.
"Ty Lee, I'm sorry." Azula said. "This is my fault."
Ty lee frowned. "What's your fault?
"You're dying." Azula said. "Remember when I was a genie and you wished to be young again?"
Ty Lee nodded. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Azula's eyes grew moist. "I only gave you youth, not longer life. Though your body is young, you're life has reached its end."
Ty Lee looked thoughtful. Then she smiled. "It's OK Azula." She said kindly. "Death is part of life. We should accept it when it is our time."
Azula sobbed. "If I was still a genie I could grant you a longer life."
"Azula, listen." Ty Lee said from her bed, "you've given me things that most humans don't get. You gave me youth, you gave me wishes and most of all you gave me your friendship. I couldn't ask for more."
Azula took Ty lee's hand, sobbing.
"I've lived for many years Azula." Ty lee said. "Now live your own life and make it wonderful."
Azula sighed.
Then there was a knock. "I asked the others to wait." Azula explained.
"Better let them in." Ty Lee said wearily. "I don't know how much time I have."
Azula got to her feet and left the room while the others came to meet their dying friend.
...…
…Azula stood by the tombstone. Ty lee had been a fighter. While dying, she hung in there for nearly a week. She had died yesterday.
"You alright, Azula?" A voice said.
Azula turned and saw a young man.
"Hi Von." She said.
"You miss her?" Von asked.
"Yes." Azula said.
"Yeah, me too." Von said.
"She was the only friend I ever had." Azula said. "Now she is gone."
Von cleared his throat. "Azula." He said. "I know that you and Ty Lee were close and that no one in the troupe can replace her. But you're not alone. And I'm here if you need me."
Azula blinked. She had cried enough. Then she forced a smile. "Thanks Von."
"I take it you want to be alone?" Von asked.
Azula nodded.
Von turned to leave, while Azula looked back at the Tombstone.
"Good bye Ty Lee." She whispered.
...
The End
Author Note. Well that's that. I felt happy endings are too easy. So I made it bittersweet and more attune with real life.
...
I was convinced that I didn't do it well. Certain factors contributed to this belief. One member of Fanfiction told me that my writing and story structure is faulty. He gave me tips, but can't be my Beta Reader. Busy with his own stuff.
Another factor is that hardly anyone reviews my fic. I must not be doing it very well to be lacking devote reviewers.
I like to tear down this fic and make a new improved remake of my story. But I need a partner to help me. If anyone wants to be my partner, I could use it.
Also, I want to do other Avatar fics, most involve Azula, but a few would have other Avatar females, like Toph, Mia, Ty Lee, Katara, Suki. If anyone wants to be my partner, please contact me via PM.
